Report Highlights Intergenerational Wealth Transfer Trends Among Women in India

Women in India are projected to inherit at least ₹73 lakh crore in intergenerational wealth over the coming decade. Despite this significant upcoming transfer, preparedness remains uneven, as only 23 per cent of women who have already inherited wealth have fully structured wealth-transfer plans in place, according to a report by Barclays Private Bank.

The report, titled 'The Ownership Shift', surveyed 22 women leaders across entrepreneurship, fund management, investing, and family wealth stewardship. The findings indicate that while awareness is growing, formal planning is still underway. Around 54 per cent of respondents reported that their wealth transfer plans are under development, while 23 per cent acknowledged being aware of their holdings but have yet to create a concrete plan.

Despite gaps in formal planning, the report notes high levels of engagement in investment management. A total of 76 per cent of respondents stated they are actively involved in managing investments, with 38 per cent directly evaluating and monitoring individual opportunities. Wealth creation was cited as the primary investment objective by 86 per cent of respondents.

Looking ahead over the next three to five years, 40 per cent of participants intend to prioritize private equity, venture capital, and direct startup investments for fresh capital allocation. This preference outpaced public markets, fixed income, and real assets, which each attracted 20 per cent of respondents. On risk management, 85 per cent described their approach as balanced, favoring a "risk-intelligent" stance over being strictly risk-averse.

The broader financial and corporate landscape also reflects rising female participation. As of January 2025, women fund managers oversaw ₹13.45 lakh crore, accounting for 20 per cent of the mutual fund industry’s total assets under management, up from ₹6.66 lakh crore a year earlier. In the startup ecosystem, 75,935 DPIIT-recognised startups had at least one woman director as of December 2024, while women held 21 per cent of board seats in NSE-listed companies as of February 2026.

Among respondents, 50 per cent identified balancing time and attention as their biggest challenge, followed by finding trusted advice at 30 per cent. Additionally, 71 per cent noted that improving investment knowledge and confidence is essential to their financial lives, while 85 per cent valued trust and transparency in advisor relationships.

"The projected transfer of ₹73 lakh crore in intergenerational wealth to women in India marks a notable shift in the country's economic landscape. As more women take active roles in asset management, venture capital, and direct startup investments, the demand for structured financial planning and trusted advisory services will naturally increase. Founders and fund managers should recognize this evolving demographic of capital allocators as they build for the future." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes